Large-scale oil leakage into sea in Chornomorsk port due to shelling

A large-scale water pollution incident has been reported following a recent ballistic strike on the port infrastructure in Chornomorsk. It was announced by the State Environmental Inspection of the Southwestern District.

During the fire that broke out after the shelling on April 26, a 6,000-ton sunflower oil tank was destroyed. Although the relevant services quickly set up barriers and blocked the storm drains, some of the product still ended up in the open sea.

"During the inspection, the site was examined. No soil contamination was detected, as the area has a concrete surface; however, an oil spill into the port’s waters was confirmed," the agency’s press service noted.

A massive oil slick, approximately 400 by 200 meters in size, formed on the sea surface. To contain it and prevent further spread, specialists deployed special boom barriers. State inspectors have already collected seawater samples for laboratory analysis, which will help determine the actual extent of damage to the ecosystem.

Experts emphasize that a final assessment of the damage to the marine environment caused by russia’s armed aggression will be conducted after receiving the full set of laboratory data.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, 10 people, including two children, were injured as a result of the massive attack on Odesa.